The client needed a new space to aid their organization’s growing outreach of volunteer training and disaster relief throughout the Mid-South. They moved to an existing building in need of major renovation. Located in the Medical District, the new space offered critical access to healthcare resources in the event of a disaster and included room for future growth.

Faced with the task of a complete overhaul and a small budget, minimal but impactful design moves were needed to maximize the new space’s potential. Taking advantage of the existing parking lot, the main entrance was moved to the south side of the building. New planters, perforated metal panels and fresh paint updated this face and highlighted the relocated entry. The new lobby, previously a cramped, one-story hallway, was opened up to become a welcoming double height space with a feature staircase leading to the second floor. Offices and meeting spaces, both a priority for the organization, were incorporated into the building’s existing framework on both the first and second floor. Interiors were finished using a minimal monochrome color palette to contrast the pops of red used in the furniture throughout the project, as well as on the main staircase, highlighting the iconic identity of the organization.